I will, I am just wondering if they have actual net access or just the ability to send emails. If it is only emails, I can create a natcoa email box, everyone can access to read them. Maybe Sally or anyone else with a son over there can enlighten us.

Sally, I am assuming these guys had net access. What if I set up a forum here they can post their comments on without having to register? I can do that, I just have to give them a password so they get in, not spammers. I can use your sons name as the pass.

Email access can be limited at times, but it is easier for Ryan to send an email sometimes than try to call. I think this is a great idea.

Are there any other NATCOA folks with family members in active service? If we exceed the knife goal, perhaps we can do some care packages. Time is limited - packages need to be in the mail by Dec 2nd to make it in time for holidays.

Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien

The interstate system of highways is fine for getting where you need to be in a hurry, but it's the road less traveled that is more enjoyable. Take in the scenery before life passes you by in a blur.

Hang on a second here guys, this is a great idea, but you have to make sure that there is no way any information, be it, their FULL names, location, or any of their family's names or location is able to be viewed in here. It's a real no no.

As far as other families that have loved ones serving, I think it would it would be great if there was money left over to go towards care packages for the men and women that are serving. I know that when my son was over there we sent several boxes filled with (beef jerky, candy that does not melt, dried fruit, ping pong balls, magazines, bug spray, you name it they like it). Now my son is home, but he still has friends, some of which I know ( and have traded "duckfart shots" with)(ouch) that are on their second and third tours. It doesn't matter if you send it to just one guy. They all share. Some guys get lots of STUFF, and everyday there is STUFF to open it's like Christmas from home. Some guys get no STUFF, it's either they have nobody at home or nobody that cares. So they all share............

Sharing is definitely the case. Ryan is so lucky that his extended family sends him lots of care packages. He always shares with those who get nothing. We even "adopted" one of the guys on his last deployment and sent him his own packages. He was supposed to give us a name this time around, but I guess he forgot.

I can use Ryan's address for distribution and he will see that any packages are given to others in his company. But you're right, Mike, about keeping them secure. I won't post that information here. I've been briefed about OpSec.

Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien

The interstate system of highways is fine for getting where you need to be in a hurry, but it's the road less traveled that is more enjoyable. Take in the scenery before life passes you by in a blur.

That is why the email is a good idea, they can send messages to that email & remain as anonymous as they wish.

BTW, thank you FARMER!!!

I am glad to see our Canadian members are being so generous to help out US soldiers. Even though, we as a country, decided not to support the US action in Iraq for various reasons, we do have men dying in Afghanistan, so I suppose its easy for us to identify with the feelings of US families who have sons & daughters in Iraq. I personally have some misgivings about Iraq, but I fully support & appreciate the sacrifices individual families & their sons & daughters are making over there. It gives me a sense of pride (and an occasional tear) to think that an organization I was instrumental in forming has so many generous, caring, people among its numbers.